Development of driveline electrification technologies: Whitepaper


Sponsored by Intertek With many automotive OEMs and suppliers rapidly developing Electric Vehicle driveline technology, there are many unanswered questions. How will new powertrain electrification technologies perform as they age? What are the most cost-effective strategies for optimizing each system? And how can further improvements be made through integration of systems and more effective management… Read more »

Battery pack maker Romeo Systems to go public in $1.33-billion SPAC deal


EV battery pack manufacturer Romeo Systems plans to go public through a merger with a special purpose acquisition company (SPAC) called RMG Acquisition in a $1.33-billion deal, which is expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2020. The combined company will be listed on the NYSE under the symbol RMO. The transaction is expected… Read more »

Siemens solution allows EV power consumption to be metered separately


Siemens eMobility solutions is field-testing a new charging technology called the Meter Integrated Charger (MIC), which provides a way to measure the quantity of electricity used to charge an EV in order to track and manage consumption. “Currently, for most customers who own EVs, EV energy consumption is mixed in with all other usage in… Read more »

Amazon reveals first of Rivian electric delivery vans


Amazon is pursuing a multi-track strategy to electrify its delivery fleet. The company already operates hundreds of EVs worldwide, including e-cargo bikes in New York City and Europe. It plans to add 1,800 electric delivery vehicles to its European fleet this year, and 10,000 in India by 2025. The retail/delivery/IT conglomerate has ordered electric vans… Read more »

Mersen Fischerlink’s low-inductance busbar/capacitor assembly for SiC DC-link


Mersen has introduced a new capacitor and busbar sub-assembly, called Fischerlink 2.0. Traditionally, capacitors are connected to busbars by screw or solder connections, which may cause increased inductance in the sub-assembly. Mersen’s Fischerlink 2.0 uses laser welding to connect capacitor terminals to busbars, which the company says improves the overall performance of the assembly and… Read more »

Allison Transmission’s new eGen Flex hybrid system


Allison Transmission has launched its new zero-emission vehicle (ZEV)-capable electric hybrid system, the eGen Flex, as the initial product offering under its new Allison eGen brand. eGen Flex provides bus fleets with fully electric, engine-off propulsion and accessory power operation capability—ideal for zero-emission zones and depot operation. The eGen product family will include Allison’s portfolio… Read more »

Tesla Model 3 logs 100,000 miles with little reported battery capacity loss


There are plenty of high-mileage Teslas on the road, but so far we’ve heard from few Model 3 owners who’ve passed the 100,000-mile mark. Kazi Imam is one driver who’s passed that milestone, and he recently told his story to Electrek. Imam logged 100,000 miles on his 2018 Model 3 Long Range in just over… Read more »

Does Tesla plan to acquire a stake in LG’s battery business?

LG Chem Lithium Ion Cells
A recent report that Tesla is aiming to acquire a stake in LG’s soon-to-be-separate battery business sent shares in the Korean electronics giant soaring. However, it appears to be too early to tell if and how such an acquisition will take place. LG Chem announced in mid-September that it plans to spin off its battery… Read more »

Telsonic introduces MPX universal ultrasonic metal welder


The ultrasonic metal welding process is often used for high-voltage cable termination and battery cable assembly. The variety of automotive terminal designs calls for a universal welding machine that can be adapted to many styles. To address these requirements, Telsonic has introduced the MPX terminal welding machine, a universal welder with standardized modular options. Manufacturers… Read more »

Mack LR Electric refuse truck begins real-world trials in NYC


Volvo Group subsidiary Mack Trucks has delivered a demonstration model of its Mack LR Electric to the New York City Department of Sanitation (DSNY), which will put it through real-world trials. DSNY, the world’s largest municipal sanitation department, collects some 12,000 tons of refuse and recyclables each day, using over 6,000 vehicles. The majority of… Read more »